The learning environment for staff and students is rapidly changing. According to the 2020-2021 digital readiness survey performed by Kentucky's 173 school districts, the computer to student ratio is now at .78 to 1 with over 670,000 teacher and student mobile devices. For our staff and students, it's no longer a question of IF connected learning experiences will arrive but HOW can they be utilized to better prepare students for a digitally connected life and workforce. District and school leaders should be intentional about partnering with stakeholders to ensure students are given the opportunity to develop into safe, savvy and socially responsible digital citizens.
Digital Citizenship is more than just being 'techy' or knowing how to use a device. The nine elements that make up digital citizenship serve as the foundation for responsible technology use, functioning appropriately in a digital society and understanding one's technology needs.
- Digital Access
- Digital Commerce
- Digital Communication & Collaboration
- Digital Etiquette
- Digital Fluency
- Digital Health & Welfare
- Digital Law
- Digital Rights & Responsibilities
- Digital Security & Privacy
Park, M., Ribble, M. (2019). The Digital Citizenship Handbook for School Leaders: Fostering Positive Interactions Online. United States: International Society for Technology in Education.
Ninety-six percent (96%) of Kentucky's school districts reported a purposeful implementation of the nine elements of digital citizenship on the 2020-2021 digital readiness survey. One resource districts utilize is The Digital Driver's License (DDL). It allows learners, adult and student, to interact with the concepts of digital citizenship through case studies and evaluations to facilitate and certify their knowledge. School district staff can access student case data to evaluate needs and certification progress. This data will follow students from district to district as well.